There IS such thing as the (statistically) best online profile picture! According to eHarmony and match.com data, here is what an ideal online profile picture should look like for men in 2016.

PICTURE OF YOU DOING SOMETHING INTERESTING (PREFERABLY OUTDOOR AND MANLY)

+ 50%

Do you have pictures from your last time rock climbing trip, or playing guitar on an open mic? It’s time to put them to good use. A picture of an active YOU is proven to increase response rate by 50% because people are interested in interesting people.

What does that mean in design?

When creating a web page or any advertisement, you need to consider the BIG IDEA first. Is it engaging to my audience? The idea should communicate a positive and an inviting emotion to inspire viewers to act.

PICTURES OF YOU WITH FRIENDS

+ 35%

Skip the selfies, data shows you can get a higher response rate if your friends are included in the pictures. Researchers show having a group picture with friends can build up your social capital.

What does that mean in design?

In digital marketing, we can’t just share pictures of our best friends, but we can share testimonials from previous customers. Genuine testimonials build trust quicker than any witty slogans because they are acting as a social proof for your brand.

PICTURE OF YOU IN FULL-LENGTH

+25%

A full-length picture of you can send a positive signal to your potential matches; letting them know you are authentic and confident. That’s it. That wasn’t so hard right guys?

What does that mean in design?

Shoppers appreciate authenticity and transparency of your brand. Just like a full-length picture, share behind-the-scene information in your social media, and don’t be shy to give customers a sense of who you are on the about us page.

CREATE SOME DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE VIEWERS

+25%

This one is tricky, research shows that men looking away from the camera and don’t display a smile get more response. This look is perceived as confident and pride, which is an attractive trait for many.

What does that mean in design?

As a brand, you can’t just “look away”. However, what this tells us is confidence is coming from within (aka, the brand value), and not any fancy graphics. Don’t be afraid to let the consumers know when you are not a good fit for them. This not only signals you are authentic and not willing to compromise the brand principle just to make a sale.

So What?

So if someone is taking a picture of you playing guitar on the edge of a cliff while 3 of your friends are standing next to you and one of the “wild-side” you suddenly decided do show off your cliff diving skill, you better make sure you look away from the camera!

Now that you have learned something about online dating profile picture and web design.